THE BIG END OF YEAR WRAP-UP We made it! As the British music industry kisses goodbye to 2022, MBUK asks a bunch of talented folks about the past 12 months – and what 2023 might hold in store… Alistair Norbury President Repertoire & Marketing UK, BMG
Amber Davis Head of A&R, Warner Chappell Music UK What was your favourite song and album of 2022? My favourite track was Ayra Starr’s (pictured) Bloody Samaritan, which had a huge impact this year. My favourite album was Burna Boy’s Love, Damini which was full of interesting themes and collabs.
What was your favourite song and album of 2022? Two Fingers by Sea Power and Wet Leg’s eponymous album. What was your music industry highlight of 2022? Gary Numan’s triumphant return to Wembley Arena in May after 40 years. What are you looking forward to most in the music industry in 2023? A new studio album from the Rolling Stones. What would you like to see change in the business next year? An increased awareness of the need to support the mental health of everyone connected to our industry.
Dan Chalmers Head of Music EMEA, YouTube What’s been your favourite song and album of 2022? 1975: Being Funny In A Foreign Language. Eliza Rose: B.O.T.A.
What was your music industry highlight of 2022? Watching Dave pick up his fourth Ivor in five years was incredible. It really shows the impact of his writing as well as the strength of his performances. Amid a massive year for him from a BRIT Award win to headlining festivals, it really was a standout moment. What are you looking forward to most in the music industry in 2023 – and what would you like to see change in the business next year? I’d love to see more original, new acts breaking through. I hope the industry focuses less on chasing TitTok trends and more on building artists’ long-term careers.
What was your music industry highlight of 2022? YouTube Music hitting 80 million global subscribers! What are you most looking forward to in the music industry in 2023? YouTube Shorts helping to help break more British acts globally and continued
growth of developing markets in EMEA - MENA and SSA. What would you like to see change in the business next year? No more ‘them’ and ‘us’: Continued tighter collaboration across the industry to help artists and songwriters forge long-lasting careers.